What’s the Difference Between Toughened Glass, Tempered, and Laminated Glass?

We understand that not everyone is a glass enthusiast and sometimes different glass options might be a bit confusing – how do you know which one to choose?  Terms like “toughened glass,” “tempered glass,” and “laminated glass” get thrown around, but what exactly do they mean, and which one do you need? Fear not, this blog is here to break it all down for you.

Types of Glass: Clear, Toughened, and Laminated

Clear glass is the most common type, known for its transparency and versatility, and is widely used in windows, shower screens, and furniture. It is available in variations such as low iron for enhanced clarity, or as clear toughened glass for added strength and safety. In contrast, toughened and laminated glass offer increased durability and security for specialized applications.

Toughened vs. Tempered Glass

These terms are actually interchangeable! “Toughened glass” is a common term used in some regions, particularly the UK, while “tempered glass” is the more widely used term globally. Both refer to the same process: heating regular glass (known as annealed glass) to a very high temperature and then rapidly cooling it. This is known as the toughening process, which creates internal stress that makes the glass much stronger than regular glass.

Here’s what makes toughened/tempered glass so great:

Safety first: When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small, blunt fragments instead of large, dangerous shards. This significantly reduces the risk of injury.

Heat and thermal resistance: Tempered glass can withstand higher temperatures and has excellent thermal resistance, making it suitable for applications like oven doors, glass panels near fireplaces, and environments with temperature fluctuations.

Clarity and strength: Clear toughened glass is a popular safety glass option, offering both high clarity and enhanced strength for residential, commercial, and decorative uses.

Customisation and shapes: Toughened glass can be custom-made in a variety of shapes, including corner rectangle, double rake, hand rake, and more. Edge finishes such as dubbed corners are also available for a tailored look.

Cutting and fabrication: Cut toughened glass and toughened glass cut to size are essential steps, as all cutting and shaping must be completed before the toughening process to ensure precise dimensions and high-quality results.

Applications: Toughened glass is ideal for safety and heat resistance in doors, windows, shower screens, and table tops.

However, there’s a trade-off; once broken, there’s no going back – tempered glass cannot be repaired if it breaks. The internal stress that makes it strong also makes it prone to shattering completely upon impact.

Laminated glass: the sandwich hero

Laminated glass is a completely different beast. It’s made by bonding two or more layers of glass together with a clear plastic interlayer, typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This creates a super strong and versatile material.

Here’s why laminated glass stands out:

Shatterproof (almost): When laminated glass is struck, the PVB interlayer holds the glass fragments in place, preventing them from scattering. This makes it ideal for applications where safety is paramount, like glass railings or skylights.

Security champ: The bonded layers make laminated glass more resistant to forced entry attempts compared to regular or tempered glass.

Noise reduction: The PVB interlayer can help dampen sound, making laminated glass a good choice for noisy environments.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Thickness matters: The thickness of the PVB interlayer and the number of glass layers determine the level of security and soundproofing offered by laminated glass. When ordering custom glass, glass thickness choose is an important step to ensure the right performance for your application.

Weighty considerations: Laminated glass is heavier than tempered glass due to the added layers, so it might require stronger support structures.

Additional features and options

For custom glass products, options like low iron glass provide premium, high-clarity alternatives to standard clear glass. Polymer coating can be added as an optional protective layer, making cleaning easier and enhancing durability. When designing glass with drilled holes or cut-outs, maintaining an appropriate internal radius—at least half the glass thickness—is crucial for safety and edge integrity.

So, which glass should you choose?

The best choice depends on your specific needs:

For safety and heat resistance in doors, windows, shower enclosures, shower screens, or table tops, tempered glass is a great option.

If preventing complete shattering and maximizing safety is crucial (like in railings or skylights), laminated glass is the way to go.

For added security or noise reduction, laminated glass offers superior protection.

Now you’re equipped to navigate the world of glass with confidence! Remember, if you’re still unsure about which type of glass is best for your needs, consulting a professional is always a wise move.

Glass Manufacturing Process

The journey from raw materials to the sleek, strong glass you see in your home or office is a fascinating one. Most glass products, including tempered glass, laminated glass, and safety glass, start their life as float glass. This process involves floating molten glass on a bed of molten tin, creating perfectly flat, clear float glass sheets that serve as the foundation for countless applications—from glass shelves to shower doors and even glass roofing.

Once the float glass is produced, it’s time to transform it into the exact piece you need. Whether you’re after custom toughened glass panels, sandblasted glass for privacy, or a bespoke glass shelf, the glass is first cut to your desired shape and size. Advanced CNC cutting machines ensure precision, allowing for everything from simple rectangles to intricate shapes with radius corners, drill holes, and polished edges.

For projects that require extra strength, the glass undergoes a tempering process. This involves heating the glass to extremely high temperatures and then rapidly cooling it, relieving internal stresses and boosting its durability. The result? Toughened glass products that are far stronger than normal glass, perfect for high-traffic areas or safety-critical installations.

If your project calls for even more security or sound insulation, laminated glass is created by bonding layers of glass together with a tough plastic interlayer. This not only enhances safety but also opens up new possibilities for design and performance.

Throughout the manufacturing process, attention to detail is key. Factors like glass thickness, the minimum drill hole size, and correct hinge cut outs are carefully considered to ensure structural integrity and prevent breaking. Whether you need glass cut to size for a kitchen splashback or a custom shower screen with socket cut outs, every detail is checked for accuracy and quality.

The glass industry relies on state-of-the-art technology and rigorous quality control to deliver products that meet the highest standards. Before any glass leaves the factory, it’s thoroughly inspected to ensure it matches your exact requirements—right down to the polished finish and desired dimensions.

When purchasing glass, it’s important to think about how the glass will be fixed, the thickness you need for safety, and any special features like rounded corners or internal notches. If you’re unsure, a knowledgeable customer service representative can guide you through the options, helping you select the right glass for your project and ensuring a smooth manufacturing process from start to finish.

In short, the glass manufacturing process is a blend of science, technology, and craftsmanship. By understanding the steps involved and considering key factors like thickness, shape, and fixing methods, you can be confident that your glass will not only look stunning but also perform safely and reliably for years to come.